Community Wellness Worker

Job No: 113836
Location: Kwakiutl Traditional Territories - Northern Vancouver Island, BC

  • Great opportunity to use your health and wellness experience to make a difference in the lives of the Kwakiutl Indian Band members
  • A key role for a dynamic and motivated Community Wellness Worker with First Nation experience 
  • Enjoy competitive remuneration commensurate with experience starting at $26.82 per hour.

About the Organization

Located at the beautiful northern tip of Vancouver Island, the Kwakiutl Indian Band is a small, ocean-side community located approximately 10 kilometers from Port Hardy. Governed by four Hereditary Chiefs in addition to the elected Kwakiutl Chief and Council, we represent the interests of the local Kwakiutl population. 

The Kwakiutl Health Centre team works in direct consultation with the community to provide a culturally integrated and holistic approach to health and wellness. Under the administration of the Health Director, our dedicated and close-knit team comprises a Home and Community Care Nurse, Community Health Representative, Mental Health and Substance Clinician, Child and Youth Worker and Receptionist/Patient Travel Clerk.   

For more information, please see our website.

About the Area

Vancouver Island boasts some of Canada's most pristine and unspoiled landscapes. With a visually stunning palette of parks, forests, lakes and inlets, it is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the resident Orca whales.

The perfect destination for a truly unique eco-adventure or lifestyle change, the northern region of Vancouver Island has something to offer everyone. From hiking the spectacular North Coast Trail to Cape Scott in Summer, to skiing fresh tracks down Mt. Cain in Winter, it is also the home of Broughton Archipelago, BC's largest marine park. 

With a population of 4,500, Port Hardy is the closest town to the Kwakiutl Indian Band and offers residents a vibrant arts and cultural scene, as well as a diverse business community. Whether it's outdoor or indoor pursuits you prefer the region offers the perfect balance of nature, culture, history and infrastructure. Located approximately four hours north of Nanaimo, Port Hardy is within a day's travel of Vancouver. 

For more information about the region, please visit the website

About the Opportunity

Currently, we are searching for a dynamic Community Wellness Worker to join our team in the Fort Rupert Health Centre, located in the Kwakiutl Traditional TerritoriesNorthern Vancouver Island.  

Reporting to the Health Director, the Community Wellness Worker will provide support services and activities for the Kwakiutl community. The working hours for this role are 28 hours per week with the potential to increase to 35 hours per week. 

While building community relationships, in this role, you will promote a culturally safe, healthy, and supportive environment that instills a sense of dignity and respect. You will provide advocacy, education, referrals and programs, and activities to individuals, groups, and families. 

Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

  • Developing and delivering mental health and addiction programs and activities in consultation with health staff in order to support the implementation of the health work plan. 
  • Providing assessment services for initial diagnosis of mental disorders as well as individual and family dysfunction and addiction within scope of practice.
  • Providing counselling and Kwakiutl culturally appropriate programs/services within scope of practice. 
  • Referring clients to psychiatric and treatment services and other social service providers as required. 
  • Encouraging and advocating the co-ordination of existing health and social services within the region to help establish continuity of care of the Kwakiutl membership and families experiencing mental illness of addiction issues.
  • Developing and facilitating self-help and peer groups in order to encourage mental health and addiction-free lifestyles within Kwakiutl by empowering the community to care for themselves. 
  • Providing liaison services between the health centre and KBC programs and external health and social services agencies while encouraging networking between agencies and programs. 
  • Involving community members in developing a client-centred and holistic approach to promoting mental health and addiction-free lifestyles. 
  • Identifying the unique skills and abilities of community members that could assist in mental health and addiction program implementation.
  • Employing a teamwork approach in working with the community to address mental health and addiction issues in a culturally safe manner. 
  • Assisting with the development of an addictions prevention/mental health community plan in consultation with other health staff. 
  • Providing Kwakiutl culturally appropriate social and recreational programs as healthy alternatives to substance abuse.
  • Adhering to all Kwakiutl Band Policies and Procedures.

In order to qualify for this role, you will have a Bachelor of Social Work or a recognized Human Service Bachelor of Art in Substance Abuse or Mental Health Counseling combined with a minimum of one year of related work experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered. 

Our ideal candidate will also possess the following:

  • Knowledge of the Kwakiutl community, culture and language (Asset)
  • A significant understanding of mental health issues; addictions issues and concurrent disorders issues, and evidence-based best treatment practices
  • Knowledge of applicable legislation, such as the Mental Health Act and the Guardianship Act
  • Knowledge of Crisis Response Protocols and Suicide assessment, prevention, intervention, and postvention
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and listening skills
  • Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office – Outlook, Word, Excel 
  • Possession of a valid driving license and means of transportation (Preferred)

The successful candidate must also successfully undergo a Vulnerable Criminal Record Check. Preference may be given to qualified applicants who are of Aboriginal ancestry and applicants with direct experience in a recognized Human Service field specializing in mental health and addictions counselling and programming.

Please note that an equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered. 

About the Benefits

In return for your commitment and passion, you will be rewarded with a competitive remuneration starting at $26.82 per hour along with an excellent benefits package, which includes:

  • Medical, dental and vision coverage
  • Disability benefits
  • Pension plan
  • Relocation assistance for the right candidate

Upon joining the Kwakiutl Band Council, you will be welcomed into a forward-thinking, innovative and supportive team and community environment.  

This position is an extremely satisfying and rewarding role giving you the chance to finish each working day knowing you have truly made a difference to your colleagues and the community.

If you're looking for a position that is guaranteed to provide you with satisfaction - Apply Now! 

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